Canadiens News

The Montreal Canadiens to support the people of Lac-Mégantic

by
Staff Writer
/ Montréal Canadiens

PRESS RELEASE

MONTRÉAL -- The Montreal Canadiens will be participating in a series of events in support of the people of Lac Mégantic, where tragedy struck last July 6. Between September 14 and October 3, the Canadiens will be conducting a fundraising event and acknowledging Lac-Mégantic residents who were on the frontlines of the tragedy and emergency first-responders. All funds generated will be given as a direct contribution to Lac Mégantic, through the Fonds Avenir Lac-Mégantic. The entire Canadiens organization is doing its part to ensure that people of Lac Mégantic get all the support that they need.

On September 14, at 1 p.m., the Bell Centre will play host to an informal scrimmage starring Canadiens players divided up between teams Red and White. Habs fans who wish to attend this game will be able to do so for only $5 (taxes included). Tickets will go on sale as of Saturday August 24, at 1 p.m. on the team's website, canadiens.com and evenko.ca, or through the Bell Centre's ticket office. Each ticketholder will receive a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a soft drink. Proceeds from this scrimmage game will be donated to the Fonds Avenir Lac-Mégantic.

Starting September 15, the Canadiens will invite directly affected families of Lac-Mégantic and emergency personnel to attend all five of the team's preseason games at the Bell Centre, on September 15, 16, 21, 23 and 26. A special ceremony will be held at the Bell Centre, prior to the September 15th game between the Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres, to commemorate the victims of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy. The pre-game national anthem will be sung by a resident of Lac-Mégantic, followed by a minute of silence and a ceremonial puck drop.

"The Lac-Mégantic tragedy affected all of us deeply, and if the sports world -- particularly the Montreal Canadiens -- can contribute to ease the suffering of the people directly affected by this tragic event, then it is our duty to come to their aid and to show our support," said Geoff Molson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club.

Finally, on October 3, all Montreal Canadiens players will travel to Lac-Mégantic to hold a team practice at the Centre Sportif Mégantic, where residents will be invited. Details regarding this special event will be unveiled soon by representatives of the town of Lac-Mégantic.